Sunday, March 25 at 3pm: Ben Phan Benefit Concert for the Appalachian Barn Alliance at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit just outside of downtown Mars Hill at 433 Bone Camp Road. To make reservations for a “Will Call” hold, email info@appalachianbarns.org or call Sandy at 828 380-9146. Tickets are just $10 reserved and $15 at the door.

All members of High Peaks and the public are welcome to join us at our monthly Board Meeting this Thursday at 9 a.m. at Appalachian Java. Discussions will include planned hikes, trail maintenance including our annual trail cleanup at Black Mountain Campground (March 30 & 31), our plans for upgrading our weather station and adding webcams at Mount Mitchell State Park and other topics. Hope you can join us!

High Peaks Leads Two Mt. Mitchell Hikes POSTPONED to March 17

We have postponed this hike one week to Saturday, March 17 due to the closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association for one of two adventurous hikes on Mt. Mitchell on Saturday, March 3. Both hikes will offer tremendous views from the summit of the East’s highest mountain. Check website for more information. WEBSITE

Learn to make rhythms with your feet! No experience necessary. Class limited to 15 students, so register early! To register and more information, contact Linda Block: LBlockhead@yahoo.com or 828-683-8433.

Visit FB page: Asheville Appalachian Clogging and Flatfoot Lessons.

Cost: $75/student for instruction, a lovely venue with wood floors, and live old-time music.

Best shoes are leather-bottom shoes that tie on. Wear loose fitting clothes and bring a water bottle. Clogging/Flatfoot is aerobic and FUN!!!

This event is hosted by The Abbey of St. Thomas Episcopal Church whose mission is “To partner with our neighbors in sharing resources to connect people and enhance our community.”

BURNSVILLE LITTLE THEATRE

The Classic Movie Club has selected for its celebration of "March Madness" the screening of "Hoosiers" the best basketball film to ever come out of Hollywood. Showtime is Monday, March 19th at 7pm at the Yancey Theatre. There are no ticket sales but your donations are appreciated. To be added to the Club's email list and be informed of future events email your email address to neldabobwilson@gmail.com.

BURNSVILLE METRIC - APRIL 28TH

Held annually on the last Saturday in April, the Burnsville Metric is a great way to start off your cycling season. It is casual but well-supported and comprises some of the flattest, most scenic roads in Yancey and Mitchell counties.

Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers are coming to the Burnsville Town Center March 16th at 7pm!

No matter the source, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers always put their distinctive stamp on a song, making it at once their own and a part of the chain of tradition that lies at the heart of bluegrass. JMRR’s professionalism, engaging presentation, and successful, heavily played recordings have kept them in demand with a national audience. Fans across the continent and Europe have experienced their energetic performances at esteemed concert productions including the National Folk Festival, Bluegrass Underground, Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman, and the Grand Ole Opry. Mullins is also the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) 2016 Broadcaster of the Year, recognized for a respected radio career spanning over 30 years and rooted in the Midwest. He also hosts “Front Porch Fellowship,” a weekly syndicated radio program broadcast over 200 stations in 30 states and Canada, and enjoyed by thousands of Internet listeners.

Don’t miss what is sure to be a great performance, March 16th, 2018 at the Burnsville Town Center! Tickets are $15, Children 12 and under are free. Come by the Town Center box office or call (828) 682-7209 for tickets.

HOMEPLACE BEER COMPANY

3/14: Non-Profit Night benefiting Dig-In Community Garden

@ 4-9pm; with food by Pig & Grits

3/17: St. Patrick's Day Celebration 2-10pm: With new beer release and live music at 8pm.

Appalachian Java is excited to have Carol Bailey exhibiting her work in the upper room. This work will be on display and available for purchase through mid-April. Visit us at 8 West Main Street, Burnsville, NC. Call 682-0120 or visit our Facebook page Here

Join us for the Tourism After Hours networking event from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on April 11th at The Lodge at Bear River. Then on April 12th at the Ferguson Health Sciences Center at Mars Hill University, attend the the main session with presentations from Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of VisitNC and Stephanie Pace Brown, the CEO of explore Asheville, Jessica Roberts, Executive Director of the Tourism Partnership of Surry County and Annie Baggett, NC Agritourism Marketing Specialist. Following the presentations the VisitNC TRAC program will give you invaluable access to state resources who can help your business grow. Registration for the main session is $15 and there is no charge for the Tourism After Hours session. Get more information and register HERE

SHOPPING

Make your favorite chili and enter the Burnsville Wine St. Patrick’s Day Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, March 17. Bring your chili in a crockpot to the shop by 1:30. We’ll start the tasting at 2pm. Prizes will be given for the Best Chili and the Most Unusual Chili. We will also taste some Irish brews that will go great with the chili. As a special treat, Nick Gonnering will be back to entertain us. A great way to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Burnsville! The balloons will be flying! Coming up on Saturday, March 24, @ 3pm, we’ll “Tie One On” with Kyle from Southern Drifters Outfitters. Be sure to check my webpage and Facebook for more information. We are located at 525 West Main, across from TD Bank. There is ample parking behind the shop or the bank parking lot. Shop hours are Thursday-Saturday 11-6. For more information, check our webpage or Facebook, call 682-3456 or email joyce@burnsvillewine.com.

THE ARTS

Toe River Choral Ensemble

SPRING CONCERT

Easter Messiah

The Toe River Chamber Ensemble, TRAC's all-volunteer orchestra and Community Choir perform their first concert of the year. Free and open to the public. Tues, March 27, 7:30 pm at First Baptist Church in Burnsville.

TOE RIVER ARTS HOSTS BRING THE OLD TIME RAMBLERS TO SCHOOL

On Thursday, March 15 from 5 to 6pm, the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) will host East Tennessee State University’s Old Time Ramblers in a special community concert at Harris Middle School in Spruce Pine. ETSU 5-piece string band will perform songs and tunes from the early period in our country’s history when fiddles and banjos and a good song were to be heard on nearly every porch in the Appalachian Mountains. The concert is free and open to the public.

Through a Traditional Arts Touring grant from South Arts, the award-winning Old Time Ramblers will spend two days working with the Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS) participants. Their first workshop will be on March 15 at Harris Middle School where band members will work with Terry McKinney’s TAPS students. Bowman Middle School TAPS students will be bussed in order to participate in the after-school workshop. The following day, workshops including TAPS instructor Ron Powell will be held at East Yancey and Cane River Middle Schools in Yancey during the school. Students will experience the process involved in a professional performance, from learning a song to connecting it to the history of old-time music to being a part of an ever-continuing movement to keep it alive in our region.

The concert on the 15th will bring the community together to hear world-class traditional heritage music. The Old Time Ramblers are ETSU students with years of experience. The program founded in 1982 is the oldest established roots-music studies program at any 4-year institution. And each year, the Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies program fields its own band that plays and tours throughout the region.

ARTS SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE

The deadline for the annual art scholarship is quickly approaching—April 1. Awards will be given to graduating high school seniors or adults continuing their education from Yancey or Mitchell County. They must be pursuing a higher education degree majoring in any of the arts or arts education. Each scholarship will be in an amount between $250 and $1,000 and will be paid directly to the degree-based institution of the applicant's attendance.

Guidelines and an application form are available here WEBSITE . There is no application fee, and no late applications will be accepted. The evaluation will be based upon those submissions that demonstrate original thinking, an artistic commitment, and a willingness to take creative risks.

Completed submissions may be dropped off at either TRAC Gallery between 10:30am and 5pm, Tuesday-Friday in Spruce Pine at 269 Oak Avenue or Burnsville at 102 West Main Street. Please contact TRAC at 828-682-7215 with any questions.

GALLERY NEWS:

BURNSVILLE GALLERY: Student Showcase - Through March 17

SPRUCE PINE GALLERY: Student Showcase - Through March 24

For more information visit us at 102 West Main Street, Burnsville, call 682-7215. WEBSITE

The Blue Ridge Fine Arts Guild will hold its monthly meeting on the evening of March 19th at 6:30 pm at the Town Center in Burnsville. For more information email susan@susangarriques.com or visit our WEBSITE

CRAFTY THINGS TO DO

MOUNTAIN PIECEMAKERS QUILT GUILD

The Mountain Piecemakers Quilt Guild will meet Tuesday, March 13th at 6:30 pm at the Burnsville Town Center for their monthly meeting and presentations. For more information call 828-691-0449.

Photography, Scrapbooking and Card Making Workshop

Close to My Heart: Crafting Workshop Saturday, March 17thfrom 9 am to 4pm at Triple R Oasis Green Mountain. We will be wearing the green celebrating St Patrick’s Day while we CRAFT the day away.

Bring your own supplies to hang out and craft for the day OR you can buy supplies at the workshop. Supplies available for Scrapbooking, Stamping and paper crafting. Call 904-610-3098 or email deb.scrapwme@gmail.com to reserve a space and get directions. 2x4 ft table space provided per crafter. Three optional lessons being offered during the workshop:

· 11 am Scrapbooking Lesson – Quick ideas for creating scrapbook pages to preserve your pictures and memories. No fee for lesson if you want to make your own page bring your pictures and some supplies or purchase supplies at the class. Minimum supplies needed: a paper pack and tape runner (tools will be provided).

· 2 pm Stamping Cardmaking Lesson – No fee – you will make one fun card. Learn to make beautiful hand-made cards for less than you would pay for store bought cards!

For all your scrapbooking, greeting card making and paper crafting needs

Monthly Classes and Workshops - Shop Supplies by Appointment

MISCELLANEOUS

ATTENTION 2018 BRIDES AND EVENT PLANNERS: We have the perfect location for that outdoor wedding, party, anniversary or company picnic Call 284-5055 for more information.

Yancey County Master Gardener

April 25th – July 18th

9am-12pm

Location: First 4 classes will be held at the Yancey Public Library with subsequent classes

being held at the Yancey Cooperative Extension Office. A tentative schedule of the classes is listed below. The registration fee covers the Master Gardeners Notebook, State Master Gardener fee, Master Gardeners’ shirt, name tag, handouts and refreshments. We will need a minimum of 7 in order for the class to be held and a maximum of 15. To register, please contact the Yancey County Cooperative Center at 682-6186. Registration deadline is April 6th, 2018. For more information, contact Stanley Holloway, at the Yancey Extension Office. Registration Fee: $140

Hello Yancey County Gardeners!

The Yancey County Cooperative Extension Office is now taking preorders for a variety of plants and fruit trees to help you get ready for the 2018 planting season. If you or someone you know would like to order plants this year you can do so at the Yancey County Cooperative Extension Center during regular business hours (8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday). You must pay in full when you place your order.

This year’s plants are similar to last years with the exception of the apples trees, we are offering some varieties not offered in previous years. Apple tree quantities are limited so be sure to get your order in early. All preorders must be in by close of business March 16th, 2018. Pickup for plants will be at TRACTOR (54 Ferguson Hill Rd. Burnsville, NC) April 10th & 11th, 8:30am-5:00pm. If you have any questions or if you are interested in any of the upcoming workshops, please contact us at 828-682-6186. Spaces for the workshops are limited so call ahead.

YANCEY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

Adopt-A-Pet

Cletus is no slack jawed yokel. He's a bright boy looking for someone to challenge him with enriching training. He's a handsome devil with a big heart and an overwhelming need to please Every home could use a dog like him.

Attend one class or all six! In this series, learn how to be a successful entre­preneur. SBC business professionals and guest presenters will increase your business savvy by providing current and applicable information. Upon completion of all six classes, participants will receive a certificate from the Mayland Small Business Center which is a great document to include in a business plan.

CLASS TWO: How to Write a Business Plan (3 Hours)

A business plan is vital to starting and op­erating a business. Learn how to turn ideas into a solid plan for financing and long-term success. This seminar teaches the import­ant components of a business plan and helps lay the foundation for a functional plan. Discover how a business plan is used by potential lenders, the dos and dont’s of writing a plan, and steps for making the process easy. You will also learn to introduce yourself and your business with confidence and clarity, utilizing your person­al “Elevator Speech”. Class begins on March 22 at 5:30 PM at MCC’s Mitchell Campus.

CLASS THREE: Marketing your Business (3 Hours)

This class discusses how to build a customer base. Business location, layout, signage, pricing, service, traditional/so­cial media, direct marketing, promotional material, and trade shows will be discussed to help entrepreneurs effectively communi­cate and market. Class begins on March 26 at 5:30 PM at MCC’s Mitchell Campus.

CLASS FOUR: Basics of Bookkeeping (3 Hours)

This class will discuss the four most import­ant financial statements in business: the personal financial statement, the balance sheet, the income statement, and the cash flow statement. The class will also cover basic bookkeeping and record keeping skills. Attendees will gain a workable knowl­edge of how to properly record financial transactions for a business. For more information on this free SBC class or to pre-register visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 828-766-1295. Class begins on March 29 at 5:30 PM at MCC’s Mitchell Campus.

CLASS FIVE: Your Small Business Taxes (3 Hours)

Gain a solid understanding of taxes required for small business owners and develop the best tax strategy for your business. Attendees will become familiar with the latest tax forms and procedures for both state and federal taxes. Don’t let your business fail due to lack of tax knowledge. For more information on this free SBC class or to pre-register visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 828-766-1295. Class begins on April 2 at 5:30 PM at MCC’s Mitchell Campus.

CLASS SIX: How to Present Your Business (2 Hours)

Development and proper presentation of a business pitch can build sales or attract investment. In this seminar, attendees will learn how to craft an effective business pitch that can be used in both verbal and written communications. For more information on this free SBC class or to pre-register visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 828-766-1295. Class begins on April 5 at 5:30 PM at MCC’s Mitchell Campus.

The Small Business Center and Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) are working together to offer seminars that will enable you to build and grow your creative business. Come to downtown Spruce Pine at the beautiful facilities of the TRAC Art Resource Center to check out our interesting class line-up!

Creating Your Artist Statement (2 Hours)

Having an effective artist statement is essential to market your work. This seminar will cover artist statement essentials, how long it should be, and what it should contain. Class will also include exercis­es to help you craft and refine your artist statement. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on March 14 at the TRAC Art Resource Center Spruce Pine.

Build an Artist Biography – Workshop (2 Hours)

An artist biography provides customers with a quick look into the life and values of an artist. In this class, learn how to build a bi­ography that can connect customers to you and your art. Students will work through exercises to complete an effective bio that can be used on websites, social media, and print materials. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on March 28 at the TRAC Art Resource Center Spruce Pine.

Connect with Customers by Telling Your Story (2 Hours)

Customers tend to buy more frequently from artists who tell the story behind their art because a story establishes a personal connection. This class will help you craft your story in a manner that will communi­cate your brand, values, and competitive advantage. Learn how to design a story that will enchant customers and emphasize your unique qualities. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 11 at the TRAC Art Resource Center Spruce Pine.

Tips for Success from the Yummy Mud Puddle (2 Hours)

NEW! Get tips for long term success from area artists Claudia Dunaway and John Richards with the Yummy Mud Puddle. With local insight and over 100 years of combined experience in operating a thriving studio, this seminar will be very informative and entertaining. Learn how to “make a living” in the arts business. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 25 at the TRAC Art Resource Center Spruce Pine.

How to Start a Non-Profit (3 Hours)

Nonprofit organizations do great work in our local communities. What are the requirements to create a nonprofit? This seminar will look at the process of creating a nonprofit including legal issues, your desired outcomes, and the application process. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 12 at MCC’s Mitchell Campus in Spruce Pine.

How to Make Money Doing What You Love (3 Hours)

NEW! Turn your passion into a paycheck by learning 10 money tips for entrepre­neurs. You’ll learn about budgeting, pricing, and inventory to gain essential tools for success. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 17 at MCC’s Mitchell Campus in Spruce Pine.

Grant Writing for Beginners (3 Hours)

Grants can be a source of income for both nonprofit and for-profit businesses. How do you find out about grants? How much money is available? What is the applica­tion process like? We will consider these issues and more in this seminar. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 19 at MCC’s Mitchell Campus in Spruce Pine.

How to Get More Customers (3 Hours)

NEW! Learn proven marketing techniques to grow your customer base. Take home a personalized strategy to market your busi­ness. Discover strengths and opportunities to build your business or concept. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 24 at MCC’s Mitchell Campus in Spruce Pine.

Advanced Grant Writing (3 Hours)

You have identified a project you want to accomplish and a potential grant funder for financing. Now what do you do? This seminar will discuss how to evaluate a grant proposal, how grants are scored for approval, and how to write a grant. We will also discuss how grants are administered and monitored by the funders. Class begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 26 at MCC’s Mitchell Campus in Spruce Pine.

Visit www.mayland.edu or call 828-766-1295 to preregister or for more information.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES

YANCEY COUNTY CAMPUS

Construct an Aquaponics System (9 Hours)

Participate in constructing an actual Aquaponics system. Topics will include populating the biofilter, when to start plants, adding the fish, adding the plants, rotating feeding/monitoring of the system. Introduc­tion to Aquaponics class must be complet­ed before enrolling in this course. Class will be held at the Earth to Sky Park. Class begins on March 13 at 6 p.m. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

Wall Art (3 Hours)

Create a unique wall hanging using mixed media and new or recycled items. The instructor, Michal Ramsey, specializes in turning trash into treasure. A supply list will be provided at registration. Class begins on March 16 at 9 a.m. at MCC’s Yancey Learning Center. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

Overlapping Stars Quilting Class (12 Hours)

This is a fast project that goes together quickly. As you piece the catchy stars you will learn how to stack and whack fabrics, how to use stripes and how to sew a triangle base layout. The instructor Bar­bara Cline is a quilt designer; author and teacher who loves to share her techniques with others. Barbara started creating quilts in her teens, and she has over 35 years of experience in quilting and teaching classes. Her whole family has shared a passion and reverence for the tradition of quilt making through the generations. She has 4 books published by C&T Publishing. Barbara currently teaches classes at local quilt shops and gives lectures, trunk shows and teaches nationally and internationally. She loves to design and piece quilts from her home in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Class begins on March 16 at 9 a.m. at MCC’s Yancey Learning Center. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

Phlebotomy Technician (210 Hours)

Class begins on March 19 at 5 p.m. at MCC’s Yancey Learning Center. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

Fun with Oils (20 Hours)

Master subjects and learn to add a couple of non-traditional techniques when using oils. Learn how to make beautiful clouds, trees, rocks, water and how to add collage elements as well as use a palette knife to loosen up the paints for a “watercolor” look. You are guaranteed to have fun in this non-traditional class. Class begins on March 20 at 1 p.m. at MCC’s Yancey Learning Center. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

Axes and Tomahawks (12 Hours)

Make a small axe or tomahawk completely forged, hardened, & tempered. You will also learn to make a handle. Class begins on March 23 at 6 p.m. at MCC’s Yancey Learning Center. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

Fluid Acrylic Painting (12 Hours)

Learn the techniques for Fluid Acrylic Paint­ing also known as Acrylic Pour Painting, and the best part is no artistic skill is needed to create fabulous works of art. You will use lots of paint, make a huge mess, and have serious fun. A supply list will be provided. Class begins on April 9 at 6 p.m. at MCC’s Yancey Learning Center. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

Observational Astronomy (6 Hours)

This course is for the beginning astrono­mer. Learn how telescopes work and how to set them up and use them. Topics will include how to use star charts and modern star mapping software to find your way around the night sky, finding what you want to see in the sky, and setting up and aligning the telescope. By the end of the course you will be able to choose any ce­lestial object you like (star, planet, nebula, galaxy, etc...), find it in the sky, and then see it up close through the telescope. We’ll have some great telescopes for you to use, and we strongly encourage you to bring your own telescope if you have one. Earth to Sky Park/Bare Dark Sky Observatory in Yancey county. Take advantage of the beautiful dark skies we have here in the mountains! Class begins on April 16 at 8 p.m. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

Beading Skills (12 Hours)

Learn basic beading skills to make beautiful unique pieces of jewelry. Topics will include history of beads and their use, simple bead stringing, basic crimping, basic wire wrap, and pearl knotting. The instruc­tor Pamela Miller is the owner of Smoky Mountain Bead Works and has been beading for more than 25 years. She is a member/instructor for the Central Florida Bead Society. Class begins on April 30 at 6 p.m. at MCC’s Yancey Learning Center. Registration for Continuing Education classes is always open and you can register and pay online.

For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click Continuing Education link or call 828-682-7315.

AREA MEETINGS OF INTEREST

ORGANIZATION / DATE / TIME / LOCATION

Rotary Club Thursday @ Noon Western Sizzlin

Toe River Model Railroaders Wednesday @ 2:00 pm Spruce Pine Library

Al-Anon Monday @ 7:30 pm 1st Presbyterian Church

Would you like us to forward your business items of interest to other Chamber members? Submit your items weekly via email no later than 8am each Tuesday for inclusion each Tuesday. Email to ginger@yanceychamber.com. Chamber Office Telephone 682-7413. WEBSITE

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